Plan a rustic barn wedding or outdoor wedding in the Beautiful Foothills near Calgary

The Crossing’s country chic destination style wedding package includes a team of professionals who specialize in creating a wedding experience unlike any other.

The peacefulness and charm can be felt from the moment you arrive. What better way to plan a wedding than to simply arrive and have everything you need all in one place. You and your guests will enjoy the privacy of this 145 acre property and all it has to offer for the weekend.

Our Remington House provides 27 guest rooms, sitting areas, decks overlooking the property and with a 5 star culinary team to enhance your stay, what more could you ask for. Decorated in perfect country style it is warm and inviting.

Our guest rooms are all beautifully decorated to suit the country style and provide a charm and elegance to the whole experience.

Just minutes from the banks of the Ghost River our “River House” with its screen in walls provides a stunning setting for your wedding ceremony, it is something out of a dream for every couple. The River House is perfect for a summer wedding or a warm spring or fall day.

After the ceremony a beautiful cocktail reception can be arranged for your guests while you spend time with your photographer to get some of the most amazing photos. Where else can you have a river as a backdrop and stunning landscape for your wedding pictures?

Once pictures are done, you and your guests will make their way to the reception in our charming country chic Pine Loft Barn. Especially designed to maintain the charm and authentic country setting the Pine Loft promises to please everyone. Our dedicated team will see to you and your guests every need and the food is guaranteed to be outstanding.

After the wedding celebration, dinner and dance and the evening is complete your guests are free to retire to their rooms or enjoy some time in the Deere House social room to relax and reflect on the day. This is a very private intimate space to enjoy at any time during your stay with us.

The next morning you and your guests are free to explore the property before enjoying a wonderful breakfast or brunch in the Remington House.

All in all our “country chic destination style wedding package” can make your dream wedding come true!

Natural Charm and Elegance for your Unique Day!

It’s your wedding day! You want to do something unique for your celebration, but whatever can you do?

Check out the natural charm and elegance of the
“River House Wedding Package”.

Breaking away from tradition can be challenging but it often allows for new and exciting opportunities! At The Crossing at Ghost River we feel we have created one of the most amazing non-traditional wedding day experiences anywhere.

Imagine the warmth of the sun on a beautiful summer morning down by the river – a beautiful setting. Your ceremony’s backdrop is a stunning view of the river, the water quietly burbling in the background.

From there your photo ops are endless. Incredible scenery can be found wherever you look, from the shoreline of the river to shady paths among the birch trees or a field of wildflowers, you are sure to find a setting that suits you. It’s a photographers dream!

The beautiful River House pavilion adds a natural elegance to your reception.  Imagine a lovely champagne luncheon accompanied by soft music playing in the background and the screened pavilion walls providing stunning views in every direction!

Your guests will be surprised and delighted as the unparalleled view, the natural elegance of the River House, the warmth of the service staff and the incredible food all come together to create an unforgettable wedding experience.

Add some champagne, a few speeches and maybe a cake service to a lovely afternoon of visiting and enjoying the setting and you have just had one of the most unique and special wedding experiences available!

Stunning Winter Weddings

The Crossing at Ghost River provides the most stunning setting for a winter wedding.

A truly enchanting setting is waiting for you at The Crossing during the winter season! Everything is covered in glittering snow and the air is crisp and clear and more peaceful than you can imagine. It is quiet and tranquil and you can really feel its charm.

Everything is beautifully decorated during the Christmas season, so there is really nothing more that needs to be done to make your wedding decor complete.

As you enter the elegant and charming Remington house, you will find a warm and inviting sitting area arranged around a beautiful fireplace. Throughout the main floor, other sitting areas display views of the grounds in every direction. The kitchen, located at the center, fills the house with delicious aromas.

The most peaceful feelings will fill you as you view the grounds from the windows of the house. You and your guests will be thrilled with the private setting.

The Crossing at any time of year is magical, but during winter it’s even more so. Come check us out for your winter wedding – we promise it will charm and delight you!!

SUMMER FUN ISN’T DONE…

There seems to be a tendency as the end of July approaches for people to slump into a funk about the imminent end of summer. This state of mind seems a little premature to us at The Crossing… as summer isn’t technically over until the foliage is appropriately dressed in the vibrant colours of fall. So quit wallowing and reminiscing on how fun summer “was” and experience the best of the remaining summer months!

We are so blessed to live in the beautiful province of Alberta, with long hot summer days, close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and pristine lakes, and easy commutes to summer festivals and celebrations in surrounding cities. So if you’ve already resorted to feeling sorry for yourself and dreading the impending fall and winter seasons, we have decided to cheer you up and enlighten you on activities to brighten your days… even more than the summer sun already has!

July 30                          SunFest in Inglewood – a street festival in the heart of Inglewood celebrating community and culture, with activities for all ages, including live music, shopping, face painting, and street performers.

July 30 – August 1       Canmore Folk Music Festival – folk artists from around the world gather in downtown Canmore to create a lively outdoor music festival on the August long weekend.

August 6                       Cochrane Classic Bullriding – head down to the Cochrane Rodeo Grounds for an evening of professional bullriding followed by a dance!

Every second Tuesday Calgary Farmer’s Market vendors come downtown to the beautiful and historic Stephen Avenue to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, jewelry, art, and healthy homemade meals.

August 13                    Calgary Police Rodeo – if you can’t get enough of the rodeo scene… circle back to the Cochrane Rodeo Grounds for a rodeo, children’s carnival, exhibitions and concessions followed by a barn dance featuring live country music.

August 18 – 27            Global Fest – stay up late for a world-class, multi-cultural and international fireworks festival in Elliston Park or find a lookout point in the city to enjoy the show from afar.

August 19 – 21            Cochrane Fair – escape the city by bringing the family to the Cochrane Ag Society Grounds for a country fair. Experience the equestrian events, great food, a midway, and fun for the whole family!

September 3,4             X Fest – go to Fort Calgary to enjoy a summer weekend checking out Calgary’s alternative music scene featuring amazing artists, such as Vance Joy, The Lumineers and The Arkells (just to name a few…).

September 4                Calgary Pride Parade – gather family and friends to join the fun at Calgary’s most colourful parade celebrating the city’s vibrant and diverse LGBTQ community!

Saturday Mornings     Cochrane Farmers Market – experience the best locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods and more between 9:30am and 1:30pm at the Historic Cochrane Ranche Site.

So no more wallowing… get out there to enjoy what the city and the outdoors have to offer during these spectacular summer months. As for fall and winter… we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

We Dare You!

We have a very exciting leadership retreat coming to The Crossing this November – check it out! Early bird pricing is available, so be sure to register soon to save yourself a spot.

Get Hitched!

The cozy and comfortable ambiance of a quaint venue in the countryside is the perfect setting for a unique and sophisticated wedding. A picturesque outdoor wedding inspired by nature, keeps it simple and elegant while providing the opportunity to use nature as your backdrop. Just imagine… mason jars filled with wild flowers become centerpieces, tree branches mark your aisle, and wooden coasters become place cards. The beauty of any wedding is the simple touches that add personality and uniqueness.

If an outdoor wedding isn’t your style, there are also a number of beautiful indoor venues available at The Crossing, including a screened-in riverside pavilion or a traditional barn with an outdoor patio. To accompany the perfect venue, The Crossing offers world class meals, tailored to each couple’s taste or theme.

Whether you have been dreaming of this day since you were a little girl or only recently started thinking about this exciting adventure, The Crossing at Ghost River provides a variety of options to suit any couple.

To inquire about our wedding venues and services, please call 403-932-3392.

Thanks Mom!!

Mother’s Day Getaway & Brunch

It’s almost that time of the year when we say a special thanks to our moms for all she does. Mother’s Day gifts are pretty simple – all she wants is time with you! This Mother’s Day show your mom how grateful you are for her ongoing love and support by treating her to an overnight stay and a delicious brunch at The Crossing! Nothing says thanks like a relaxing night in the countryside followed by a gourmet breakfast!

May is a beautiful time of year at The Crossing. Warm weather, colorful wildflowers, and endless acres of land make it the perfect place to celebrate mom and spend time with family! Bring your hiking shoes for a picturesque stroll to the river or a trek up to the scenic ridge. You can also bring your competitive spirit for a game of riverside horseshoes or croquet on the lawn.

If you cannot spend the night…no worries bring mom and the family for brunch Sunday, May 8.

Spaces are limited, so please call 403-932-3392 to make reservations.

The Sights and Sounds of Spring!

Spring marks a fresh new start – flowers blooming, spring cleaning, retiring a winter wardrobe for summer clothes, and trading in those heavy winter boots for sneakers and flip flops. Spring brings brighter mornings, sunnier afternoons, and longer evenings. Spring means family dinners in the backyard, drinks on the patio, and long walks in the park.

prairie view lookout

A sure sign spring is here

Here at The Crossing we are happy to see signs of spring appearing all around us – melting snow, wild flowers, sun showers, and the list goes on. Spring is an exciting time at The Crossing, as it brings many new programs and events. First of which, is the Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat facilitated by Tracey Delfs on July 22-24. This program is a perfect way to embrace the fresh start that the spring season represents.

Spring weather also brings new opportunities to experience the outdoors, such as hiking on our 145 acres of beautiful land or fly fishing on Ghost River, just minutes from The Crossing’s main house. And, of course… we are excited about the culinary opportunities that accompany spring… preparing superb cuisine on the barbecue, enjoying fresh local fruits and vegetables, and dining on the patio.

As we not-so-patiently await the benefits of spring, we also look forward to welcoming the season with the Easter long weekend. We hope you take advantage of the longer days, unseasonably warm weather, and upcoming weekend to celebrate spring, the outdoors, family time, and great food.

Cheers!

Farewell 2015, you were a good one!

It’s been a great year!

It would be easy to leave it at that because it is true, it has simply been a great year!  But, one of the most satisfying things you can do, and one of the most helpful, is to take time and reflect.  What was successful?  What was a disaster?  What caused the positive or negative outcome?  What valuable lessons did you learn?  How did your team fare?  How did your relationships stagnate or grow?  What made you happy?  What no longer deserves your energy?  There are so so many important things that we learn about ourselves and others in just 365 days but the key is taking the time to recognize them!

At The Crossing we learn new lessons every single day.  It doesn’t matter if we have hosted the same client multiple times before, there is always a takeaway.  More often than not we are our harshest critics; always wanting to reach the next level of guest service, new amenities, culinary creations, etc.  The reality is that we will always strive for that, so every once in a while, with the New Year being a natural break, you must take time to examine the wins.  Give yourself and your team a pat on the back for your accomplishments, big or small.  Take those missteps, no matter how many or how little, and use those lessons to establish strong strategies for the year ahead.

Looking back we have had a pretty incredible year.  From meeting numerous new clients, and happily welcoming back many repeat groups, we are constantly amazed at all the solid investment that companies and organizations are putting into their people.  It was quite the highlight to welcome both our first yoga and our first photography workshops with great success; so much so that we are looking into offering them again in 2016!  Casting for Life is always a yearly highlight, observing the women’s bravery and strength.  As well as working with the Veteran’s Transition Network who has taught us so much about so many things; we are so grateful to have been involved.  These are just a few of the many incredible groups who stayed with us this year!

There are countless memories, lessons, relationships new and old, which have contributed to 2015 being our very best yet!  We look forward to taking everything we have learned and applying it to make 2016 even better!  We want to thank all of our guests, suppliers, neighbours in the Cochrane, Calgary and surrounding communities, as well as all of our online friends and followers.  Your support is felt and spurs us to continue to strive to reach our expanding potential!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

From our Crossing family to yours, have a safe, happy and healthy New Year!

 

 

Sights, Sounds, and Smells of the Season!

The Season is upon us!  Whether you are getting ready to string lights, put up the tree, or bust out the rolling pin for some holiday baking, the holidays are right around the corner.  Some may loathe them, and some may love them, but regardless of where you fall on the spectrum it is hard to deny the beauty that this time of year brings.

From lights and decorations, to songs and children’s squeals of delight, it’s hard to be a Grinch.  I mean who can pass up a festive cocktail and canape or two…or seven.  And, the season begins long before the floor is littered with wrapping paper and everyone is fighting for a spot on the couch in a turkey coma.  Some of the best things about the holiday season are the events and traditions leading up the various celebrations.  The annual visit with Santa for the little ones, local holiday markets, food and beverage events, skating, tobogganing….the list goes on.  Here at The Crossing we love tradition, and we love being located in an active community that recognizes and fosters holiday cheer!  And so, we have put together a small list of local activities to help deck the halls and make your season merry and bright!

Enjoy the wonder of the season!

Banff Beer Fest – November 27/28th journey through Banff to find your favourite craft beer! www.albertabeerfestivals.com

Lights – Calgary Zoo ZOOLIGHTS from November 27th to January 2nd with full details at http://www.calgaryzoo.com/zoolightsyyc

Art – Youth Art Show starting December 5th to January 23rd featuring local artists from Grades 7-12 at the Leighton Art Centre http://leightoncentre.org/exhibitions/exhibit/generation-genesis-youth-art-show-206

Public Skating – Saturdays and Sundays from 1-2:15pm through December at Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre http://www.slssportscentre.com/

Visit with Santa – December 5th to 20th at Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre http://www.slssportscentre.com/

Christmas Market – December 12th marks the Cochrane Farmers’ Market Last Minute Christmas Market at Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre http://www.cochrane-environment.org/farmers-market

Santa Claus Parade – December 12th is also host to the second annual Cochrane Santa Claus Parade starts at 5:00pm.

Music – Sounds of the season can be heard from the Cochrane Music Society on December 15th starting at 7:30 pm, Cochrane Alliance Church, 902 Glenbow Drive.  Admission is free.  A donation to the food bank is welcome, more details at www.cochranemusic.ca .  Additionally, The Cochrane Young Singers Christmas Concert, also on Dec. 15th at 7:00 pm, Location TBD.  Please bring a food bank donation.  (www.cochraneyoungsingers.com)